Highlights! Dillashaw Outlasts ‘Sandman’ In UFC Return

T.J. Dillashaw earned back his stripes earlier tonight (Sat., July 24, 2021) at UFC Vegas 32 live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the former UFC bantamweight champion outlasted surging contender Cory Sandhagen with a split-decision win in the main event.

Dilllashaw looked good in the early going as he landed some punches on the feet before gaining top control and scoring some short ground-and-pound. Sandhagen did seem to hurt Dillashaw’s knee from off his back and it played a role in Round 2. In the second, Dillashaw’s movement seemed to be compromised and it allowed Sandhagen to start teeing off. He knocked the former champion to the ground, bloodied his face, and snapped his head back more than five times. “Sandman” was really starting to take over.

Sandhagen kept busy in the third round as a cut on Dillashaw’s right eye really started to bother him. Dillashaw was still in the fight but he was struggling with his sight and range. Luckily for Dillashaw, he was able get inside and grab a hold of Sandhagen and score some short shots to gain back a little momentum. The former champion started to pick it up entering the third round and really started to tire Sandhagen. “Sandman” returned the favor in the fourth with some more offense of his own, including a spinning back fist that caught Dillashaw flush at the end of the round.

The fifth and final round was close as Dillshaw kept the pressure up only to have Sandhagen land some straight counters. Neither bantamweight seemed to tire, but Dillashaw’s face looked like a bloody mess. In the end, it was Dillashaw who did enough on the scorecards to walk away with the decision.

Check out the full fight highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN:

For complete UFC Vegas 32 results and coverage click HERE.